Current Date: 26 Apr, 2026
{{entry.title}}

The Mystery of the Darvaza Gas Crater: A 50-Year Inferno

Scientists lit a hole filled with natural gas on Fire in 1971, expecting it would burn only for few days. The hole has been burning for the past 48 years & is called "The Door To Hell".

A hole 230 feet wide that has been burning for more than 50 years is located close to the 350-person village of Darvaza in Turkmenistan’s scorching, vast Karakum desert. The fiery glow from the crater, known to the locals as “The Gates of Hell,” can be seen for miles around, despite the crater’s official name being the Darvaza gas crater.

When a Soviet drilling rig unintentionally punched into a large subterranean natural gas cavern in 1971, the ground collapsed and the drilling rig itself fell in, leaving the Gates of Hell crater. A pocket of gas had been punctured, and toxic fumes were leaking out at a frightening rate.

The Soviets decided to light the hole on fire in order to prevent a possible environmental disaster, believing that the fire would go out in a few weeks. The flaming pit is still active decades later. It is thought that somewhere down there, on the other side of the “Gates of Hell,” is still the Soviet drilling rig.

Amazingly, people travel into the desert to see the crater in all its blazing glory despite the site’s ominous name and constant flames. Wild camping in the surrounding desert is becoming more and more popular.

However, the burning crater might not have a clear destiny. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov gave the Turkmenistan government instructions to start looking into ways to put out the fire in January 2022.

Similar Stories
Woman's memory reset every two hours after traumatic accident

Woman's memory reset every two hours after traumatic accident

Riley Horner, an Illinois teenager was accidentally kicked in the head. As a result of the injury, her memory resets every two hours, and she wakes up thinking every day is June 11. Riley keeps detailed notes of events happening throughout the day, and sets an alarm on her phone every two hours to remind her to review them. Riley also keeps a calendar in her room to remind her what day it is? As she wakes up every morning confused, thinking it's still June 11.

Earthquakes: Can Animals Really Predict Them?

Earthquakes: Can Animals Really Predict Them?

In 1975, when officials in the Chinese city of Haicheng were alarmed by odd and anxious behaviors of dogs and other animals. These observations led them to order 90,000 residents to evacuate the city. Only a few hours later a 7.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed nearly 90% of the city’s buildings.

How Sleep Cycles Affect Cognitive Function and Memory Retention

How Sleep Cycles Affect Cognitive Function and Memory Retention

Sleep is not just rest—it's an active process where our brain cycles through stages that shape cognition, memory, and overall mental performance. Different sleep phases, from deep slow-wave sleep to REM dreaming, play unique roles in consolidating memories, boosting attention, and refreshing brain networks. Explore how sleep cycles work and why they are essential to learning and sharp thinking.

Why Some Animals Can Regenerate Limbs and What Science Says About Human Possibilities

Why Some Animals Can Regenerate Limbs and What Science Says About Human Possibilities

Certain animals possess the extraordinary ability to regenerate lost limbs, a process that has fascinated scientists and inspired hopes for human medical breakthroughs. From salamanders’ perfect limb regrowth to starfish’s incredible body regeneration, this article explores how and why these animals can perform such feats, the biological mechanisms underpinning regeneration, and what cutting-edge research means for the future of human limb regeneration.

The Physics Behind Why Cats Always Land on Their Feet

The Physics Behind Why Cats Always Land on Their Feet

Cats have an extraordinary survival skill known as the “righting reflex” that allows them to twist midair and land on their feet, even when dropped upside down. This uncanny ability is made possible by their flexible spine, lack of a functional collarbone, and a combination of biological sensors and physical laws governing motion. Astonishingly, kittens develop this reflex as early as three weeks old, mastering the art of graceful landing that defies everyday expectations. This article unravels the science and mystery behind this feline feat.

The story of Lionel the Lion-Faced Man, Stephan Bibrowski

The story of Lionel the Lion-Faced Man, Stephan Bibrowski

Stephen Bibrowski, also known as Lionel the Lion-faced Man, was a well-known sideshow entertainer. His entire body was covered in long hair, giving him the appearance of a lion; this was most likely due to a rare condition known as hypertrichosis. Lionel traveled to the United States in 1901 and began performing with the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

The Science Behind Why We Dream and What It Means

The Science Behind Why We Dream and What It Means

Dreams have fascinated humanity for millennia—enigmatic stories that unfold in sleep, weaving memories, emotions, and symbols. Modern science is now unraveling why we dream and exploring what these nightly narratives reveal about our brain, emotions, and waking lives. Journey through the latest discoveries on the science of dreaming and its meaningful reflections in our psyche.

The Heartbreaking Story Of Ella Harper, The ‘Camel Girl’

The Heartbreaking Story Of Ella Harper, The ‘Camel Girl’

Ella Harper, Professionally known as the “Camel Girl” was born with a rare orthopedic condition that cased her knee to bend backward. Due to this condition, had to walked on all four legs, which resulted in her nickname as “Camel Girl”. Tough it was hard at first, but soon she made a fortune out of it.

The Giant Mirrors Brought Sunlight to Rjukan

The Giant Mirrors Brought Sunlight to Rjukan

Due to the steep mountains that surround it, the town of Rjukan, Norway, doesn't receive any natural sunlight from September to March. They placed large mirrors in the town square to reflect light. The mirror follows the path of the sun and moves every 10 seconds to create a 600m squared light pool.